Palworld Reveals 2026 Popularity Poll Winners, Teases 'Side by Side' Update
Global Popularity Poll 2026 Results
Pocketpair has closed out this year's Palworld Global Popularity Poll, which ran in September and drew an even larger turnout than the previous edition. Players worldwide cast votes for their favorite Pals and human characters, and the top finishers have now been revealed.
Top Pals:
- 1st place: Sekhmet
- 2nd place: Solenne
- 3rd place: Chillet
Top Characters:
- 1st place: Zoe
- 2nd place: Auri
- 3rd place: Saya
These rankings reflect the combined global vote, but results also varied by region and language. Players curious about how their favorites performed in specific markets, or wanting to see the full list beyond the top three, can find detailed breakdowns on the official Global Popularity Poll 2026 website.
Annual popularity polls like this have become a tradition for the Palworld community, giving fans a chance to spotlight the creatures and characters that resonate most with them since the game's launch. The steady growth in voter participation this year suggests the game's roster continues to expand its fanbase alongside new content releases.
Next Update: Palworld: Side by Side
Alongside the poll results, Pocketpair confirmed its next major update for Palworld. Titled Palworld: Side by Side, the update is officially scheduled to launch in Winter 2026.
No further details about the update's content, features, or specific release date have been shared yet. The developer has indicated that more information will be revealed in the coming months as the release window approaches.
What This Means for Players
For now, the announcement serves mainly as a placeholder on the roadmap, confirming that active development continues on Palworld well beyond its initial launch. Combined with the enthusiasm shown in this year's popularity poll, it signals that the game's community remains engaged and that Pocketpair intends to keep expanding the title's content over the coming seasons.
Players interested in the full poll breakdown, including regional results and vote counts for every Pal and character on the ballot, should check the official poll website directly, as Pocketpair has not published a complete list through its standard update channels.
Further details on Palworld: Side by Side, including trailers, feature lists, or a firm release date, are expected to be announced as Winter 2026 draws closer.